2022 Independent School Open Day Dates
Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Now that parents can attend in-person school tours and open days, we look at what to consider when choosing the ‘RIGHT’ school for your child.
With so much on offer at each independent school, it can be hard to know which school is the best fit for your child. Most families attend an open day or book a visit to tour the school and chat with the head before making their final decision. We have created this handy checklist of questions to help you consider which aspects of school life are important to your child and family. Download here.
There are no right or wrong answers to any of these questions. You should get the opportunity to ask questions on an open day, over the phone, or during a scheduled school visit.
An open day is a school’s way of showcasing what it does best. You’ll meet current pupils and see examples of their academic and extracurricular achievements. Despite the ‘staged’ nature of the event, you’ll still be able to learn a lot. Quizzing the pupils who tour you around with key questions can be very revealing. Similarly, speaking to heads of departments helps you gauge the passion and vision they have for their subject. Are the pupils demonstrating activities themselves or are the teachers taking the limelight? Even during a staged day, you will get a feel for the school. This should help you narrow down your choices. If necessary, you could then visit again on a normal school day.
If possible, I would urge you to arrive punctually and in time for the head teacher’s address. Its tone and message will give you a good sense of the school’s direction and ethos.
Once you have all the information you need, trust your instincts. If the school ‘feels’ right, it’s very likely to be right for your child.
September & October 2022
Belhaven Hill School
Dunbar | 5-13 years
Co-educational preparatory school, with day and boarding pupils
Saturday, 24th September 2022
9.30am-11.30am
Cargilfield
Barnton | 3-13 years
Co-educational nursery and preparatory boarding school, with day pupils
Open Morning, on 30th September 2022
Clifton Hall School
Newbridge | 3-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior day school
The Compass School
Haddington | 4-12 years
Co-educational junior school with a pre-school year nursery
The Edinburgh Academy
Inverleith | 2-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior school
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School
Liberton | 1-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior school and senior school
Saturday 15th October 2022, 9am - 5pm
Edinburgh Steiner School
Morningside | 2-18 years
Co-educational kindergarten, junior and senior day school
ESMS Schools
Ravelston | 3-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior day school, boys only and girls only senior schools with a co-educational sixth form. Boarding is available.
Fettes College & Prep School
Inverleith | 7-18 years
Co-educational preparatory and senior boarding school with day pupils
George Heriot’s School
City Centre | 4-18 years
Co-educational junior and senior day school with a pre-school year nursery
George Watson’s School
Morningside | 3-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior day school
Saturday 1 October 2022, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Loretto School
Musselburgh | 3-18 years
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior boarding school with day pupils
Senior School (12 to 18 years): Saturday 1st October 2022
Junior School (3 to 12 years): Saturday 8th October 2022
Merchiston
Colinton | 7-18 years
Boys preparatory and senior boarding school with day pupils
St. George’s School for Girls
Ravelston | 3 -18 years
Girls’ junior and senior school with a co-educational nursery up to P3 (from 2022-24). Boarding is available
Friday 23 September 2022: 9.30 - 3.30 pm
Wednesday 28 September 2022: 9.30 - 12.00 pm
St. Mary’s Music School
Haymarket | 9 -18 years
Co-educational, specialist music school, offering music and academic education to musically gifted children. Day school with boarding.
Virtual Open Days - 5th & 9th October 2022
Independent Boarding Schools outside Edinburgh and the Lothians
St Mary’s School
Melrose | 2 -13years
Co-educational nursery, junior and preparatory day and boarding school
St. Leonard’s
Fife | 5 -18 years
Co-educational junior and senior boarding school with day pupils.